Finally a game! After several delays the Riverhounds finally kick off the 2015 preseason with a win over Western Illinois University. Being their first game on a full field, and against a college team, it’s tough to get a good gauge of the squad. I went in mostly looking to get a feel for the new players and tactics than concern over the result. Generally I liked what I saw. The first thing that really struck me is how much better the Hounds possession was. They kept the passing pretty short and to the point through out the midfield, generally avoiding unnecessary long balls. They were also pretty patient to let the play slowly move forward. A lot more horizontal play through the center instead of trying to get up field as fast as possible. Most of the game ended up played in the midfield either through design or just the fact it’s a preseason game and there isn’t a lot of pressure. Scoring is where my concern is coming out of the match. For as well as the Hounds controlled the ball it seemed like it tended to fizzled out in the final third. Other than a couple corners there really wasn’t any good scoring chances in the first half. It did open a little in the second half after some tactical and player changes, and the Hounds managed to find the back of the net twice. Again it’s only the first game and the guys need time to gel. We’ll see how things progress through out the preseason.
Starting XI-
Thompson, Flunder, Okiomah, Arena, Earls, C’deBaca, Okai, Kerr, Vincent, Green, Moloto
The formation seemed to be either a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1 to start. Towards the end of the game it looked like they switched to a 4-3-3.
Notes
– The returning players looked like they haven’t missed a step.
– Earls found himself on the back line playing as a wing back. We saw some of this last year. It’s not a bad tactic with his skills, but we saw last year it can really open up that side of the field for a counter if the D doesn’t cover well. Arena was the guy next to Earls, and seems to have good presence to know when he needs to drop back.
– Vincent seemed to be picking up where he left off last season. Once again we got to see his rocket of a shot. We saw it a few times last preseason but it never really materialized during the regular season. Here’s hoping that changes this year.
– Kerr looked hungry. He was aggressive and all over the place. He’s going to be fun to watch this season.
– Green and Flunder didn’t really stand out, but they also didn’t look bad.
– Arena is still solid.
– There was only really one defensive gaff all game and it was on an early set piece from just outside the 18. Someone lost their mark which allowed the Western Illinois player a free header into the back of the net. Fortunately for the score line he was offsides.
– Thompson didn’t really have anything to do all game which I’m sure is great when you’re a keeper but it didn’t let me get a good feel for him.
– Okai was all over the middle of the field. Kind of reminded me of Obo from last season but faster and better ball control. Seems like he’ll play a big role there.
– Moloto didn’t really have a lot to do with how much of the game was in the midfield, but he did well with what he could. The fancy dribbling he did before the first goal in the second half is encouraging.
– Pasher (unannounced player) took over Earls wing back spot in the second, and man is he fast. It’ll be interesting to see if Steffens use him and Earls as a one two punch during a game.
– Kolarac was probably the weakest looking guy today. While the veterans seemed pretty calm he was a little jumpy and didn’t have the best control. It might just be first game jitters or him trying too hard to impress. We’ll see how he progresses. [Correction: Actually it might have been Virgara struggling. I’m still trying to match names to faces.]
If the weather holds the Hounds are back on the field tomorrow at 2pm to take on Army. Admission is free.
#UNLEASH
